Cyclist Steve is doing it for the dogs
A Staffordshire police community support officer will be getting on his bike to raise money for a Shrewsbury dog's home.
On Tuesday Steve Sherratt who has been a PCSO with Staffordshire Police for 10 years will start out on a cross-country bike ride of 115 miles from his Stoke home to Dogs Trust Manchester and back down to Dogs Trust Shrewsbury.
Steve, who is based at Cheadle Police Station in Staffordshire, said: “I have adopted two dogs from Dogs Trust Shrewsbury, Crossbreed Bart, who was a stray, and Terrier Cross Rex.. Dog's Trust doesn't get any government funding so they rely on people that are mad about dogs, like me, to raise funds.”
Steve has been raising funds for Dogs Trust for the last five years organising everything from auctions and raffles to sponsored walks and bike rides, including a 155 mile ride along the route of Hardrian’s Wall and a 105 mile ride around Lake Geneva.
He added: “I do enjoy cycling but I love it even more if I know every turn of the pedals is raising money for the dogs. I’m hoping the weather for this ride is going to be as nice as it was at Lake Geneva but even if not, it’ll be worth it.”
Steve will be joined on his ride by fellow PCSO Jon Staples. The plan is to complete the first 66 mile leg of the ride on Tuesday and cycle back down to Shrewsbury the following day. At both Dogs Trust centre’s his supporters will be on hand including his wife, Sarah, his dogs and staff and four-legged friends at the centres.
Louise Campbell, manager at the Roden rehoming centre, said: “People like Steve make all the difference to us. It’s incredible what he is doing.
“On average it costs more than £1,300 to care for one of our dogs and all of Steve’s fundraising activities so far have raised more than £5,300. Every penny raised goes towards making sure our dogs have everything they need whilst they are being cared for by us, so Steve will definitely get a very warm welcome when he arrives.”
